Andrew Zubyk / The Avion
Junior, BS Aerospace Engineering
"Hi, y'all! My name is Kat Henderson, and I am running to be your next Housing and Residence Life Senator. I have been involved with HRL my entire time here on campus. First as a resident during my freshman year, then as a Residential Advisor for the past two years, and as a future Senior Residential Advisor. I have lived in many different buildings and seen the community of HRL firsthand. I have been able to work with other RAs and HRL staff to create a positive environment for my residents and as the HRL senator I am hoping to bring that to all communities. As your HRL senator, I hope to be the communicator you want between the student resident population and the housing and residence life office."
What makes you a qualified candidate for this position?
"I have been a part of housing and residence life my entire time as a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I have seen how Housing and Residence Life operates from both a resident and staff point of view and would be able to bring information from both sides to make informed decisions on any issue that may arise as a senator. I have also created relationships with the pro staff in the Housing and Residence Life office due to my position as a residential advisor. I have navigated many circumstances related to Housing and Residence Life and am prepared to bring that knowledge to the senate position. Lastly, I truly believe I would be a great candidate to communicate between the residential students and the Housing and Residence Life staff. These qualities make me a great candidate for the Housing and Residence Life senator position. "
What is the purpose of the SGA Student Senate?
"The purpose of the Senate within the Student Government Association is to bridge the gap between the students and the professions on campus. Giving a voice to the students who need it is essential to produce a productive environment for the university. Implementing changes to suit the needs of the current identities of the student population creates a sense of belonging for students to thrive. Student Senate acts as the voice that can change the policy to enrich these experiences. Within housing, the senator can create change in the space where students spend most of their time. Improving the living environment within the residence halls gives residents a remarkable first impression of their new home. Since such a large percentage of students live on campus, the housing senator has a pivotal role in starting a student’s career at Embry-Riddle. The new addition of off-campus experience in Housing and Residence Life continuously influences students' experience even after their departure from campus living. Through the senator, all of these things can be advanced for the students of Embry-Riddle."
How do you plan to elevate and communicate issues that your constituents are concerned about to the Senate?
"Constituent concerns being brought to the student senate is the whole role of this position. Having consistent meetings with senators to see if the problems occurring in Housing and Residence Life have similarities to those found in the academic calendars or other student life. By collecting useful student feedback and creating easily digestible data, the senators can understand the need for the changes within Housing and Residence Life. Also, with my current relationship with Housing and Residence Life, I have the unique advantage of having relationships with current staff members within Housing and Residence Life. I plan on having a consistent meeting with the Housing and Residence Life staff regarding concerns brought to me by constituents. While I hope there are things I can solve on my own, I am sure Housing and Residence Life support would go a long way in ensuring that we hear out all issues and investigate all problems to the fullest extent possible. "
How will you improve the ERAU experience for your constituents?
"Every individual has had a different experience with Housing and Residence Life. Being able to hear these experiences and communicate them to the Housing and Residence Life office effectively to see what kind of changes and updates could be made is my number one priority. While students often feel their voices and concerns are not heard, I want to ensure their story is shared. This is not selective for students who currently live on campus; this includes taking information from those who may not have had the opportunity to live on campus or have decided to move off campus. With my previous experience with Housing and Residence Life as a residence advisor, I can clearly communicate the needs of students while following the goals and objectives of the university and Housing and Residence Life. Following the Housing and Residence Life curriculum and student feedback, I will have the ability to increase student involvement and create change in the events to make them more engaging for students."
